This post is dedicated to my long-time friend Quentin Dumont-Freixo who is now off biking with the Dutch.

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You gotta love the swag style associated with bike culture. I’m not talking about the hipster/hippie look – if you’ve been keeping up with my blog you’ll know I’m the modern type. I’m talking about the fresh and the cool. Crewnecks, five panel caps, backpacks and solid colors is what I love to be wearing when I’m cycling around town. The day of the shoot I felt so comfortable, I think I’ll be dressing like this more often. My fancy side can’t help but dress things up a little with these leather cutout booties by Jeffrey Campbell and my Marc by Marc Jacobs watch, a recent purchase while in NYC for New York Fashion Week. Judging from the popularity of certain looks at NYFW, I think many fashionistas have been longing for more swag and less glam in their wardrobes. We need more statement items in the boyish laid-back department, items we can mix with our favourite designer shoes, purses and jewellery.

Despite the pot holes, road cracks and aggressive drivers of Montreal who give us cyclists a 1-inch clearance, biking around town this summer has been amazing. As I live 15 minutes from downtown, it’s almost always quicker to take the bike and cut through traffic. Uphill makes you work to stay fit, and downhill is your reward. The only downside is that I can’t wear my fancy heels when I ride.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013
• 9:00 AM •

When I was in NYC with fellow Montreal fashion bloggers Sarah of I Bleed Fashion and Will of auxjourslejour for New York Fashion Week S/S 2014, it was without a question that shopping was on our list of priorities. Here in good ole Canada, we just don’t have as much fashion at our disposable. Sure, we’ve got our fair share when it comes to designer goods, but the selection doesn’t even come close to what New York City has to offer its consumers. The abundance of fashionable goods in New York is overwhelming in that sense – wherever you go, there are just piles and piles and more piles of stuff to be sold, most of which is cheap crap which you must work to filter out. There is however an almost equally large volume of high-end goods, which can be very dangerous when a fashionista like yours truly roams the streets of the big city. I’ve done my best to save money, and have only purchased a few items. Although they were quite pricey (at half the retail price, may I add!), I will wear and cherish these items for years to come.

Balenciaga Spring 2013 Block Heels

I am so ecstatic about this find! I purchased these block heel Balenciaga booties at the Barneys outlet in Woodbury. The block heel is just so dramatic, and there’s nothing I like more than a loud statement. I can see myself wearing these with a sporty minimalist outfit, or dressing them up with clashing patterns for a more editorial look. You can bet that you’ll see these in future fashion photography shoots of mine.

If you’ve purchases a pair of designer shoes, you’ll know that they’re not low maintenance. The soles of these were quite slippery when I bought them, so I customized them by adding a grippy leather piece to the upper section of the soles, as well as switched up the heel tips. I’ve also stretched out the upper leather for more comfort.

MARC by MARC JACOBS White Leather Strap Watch with Blue Detailing

Speaking of sporty-chic, I just had to have this super crisp white leather watch by Marc Jacobs. The rose gold hardware and cobalt blue detailing is so on trend, and the “By Marc Jacobs” system is super cute and clever! Will and I both bought this watch.

Michael by Michael Kors ‘Slim Runway’ Leather Strap Watch, 42mm

This one is for the boyfriend! My boyfriend was due for a new watch, and I liked this Michael Kors one because it goes well with his classic and comfortable style. The leather is comfortable and the thin band and face keeps things young.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013
• 9:00 AM •

This is the bulk of the street style shots I snapped while in NYC for the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. I couldn’t believe the number of stylish people chilling around Lincoln Center. These people motivated me to work even harder with my personal style, hence my splurging at the Woodbury Premium Outlets (one word – Balenciaga). Anyway, I apologize if this loaded slowly, I’ve never had so many photos in one post! If you spot yourself, feel free to shoot me an email so that I can link to your website!